Our Board of Directors are all volunteers who give their time and expertise to improve the quality of life of those adversely affected by gluten. A diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity can be an overwhelming experience and we are here to provide science-based information and practical tips to make your healing easier.
Board of Directors
When I was diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis/celiac disease in my 20s, it made sense of my constant anaemia, fatigue and bruising in my childhood and teens. I immediately joined my local support group in the UK and was quickly invited to join their Board. I was then approached by the head office of Coeliac UK to set up my own support group for a different geographical area. The rest is history! Having moved to Canada and had a child diagnosed, it was important for me to be up to date with labelling, research and so on, so I became involved with the BC Chapter. My passion is addressing misinformation about celiac and the foods that are, or are not, safe. Email: info@bcceliac.ca |
In 2012, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, facing various challenges and hurdles inherent to the condition. Given the limited familiarity with Celiac Disease within South Asian communities, my early understanding of its implications and complexities positioned me as a key advocate in assisting newly diagnosed individuals. Pursuing my Master of Public Health at Simon Fraser University equipped me with the tools to bridge these knowledge gaps. This journey led me to serve on this board, where I strive to offer public health education, mobilize resources, and disseminate knowledge to diverse communities, advocating for greater awareness and understanding of Celiac Disease.
I am fully dedicated to easing the physical and psychological challenges of Celiac Disease for affected individuals by actively bridging knowledge disparities and advocating for their needs. As a forefront advocate, I aim to drive positive change and support within the Celiac Disease community. . |
When I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a baby, my mom was assured it was an allergy that I would outgrow. At that time, lifelong adherence to a gluten free diet was not a consideration.
The health challenges I continue to manage today are a result of this misinformation. My experience inspires me to volunteer with CCABC. I want to raise funds so people can get the medically-based information and support they need. I am also passionate about funding celiac disease research that will lead to better treatments and ultimately, a cure. |
When I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a teenager, it was a massive lifestyle shift for me. Since then, I have become passionate about advocating for safer and more affordable access to gluten free foods and tackling misinformation in the community. When I moved to Canada in 2023, I wanted to play a more active role in helping others living with the condition, so I decided to volunteer with the CCABC! |
I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2011 and started attending CCABC events in 2012. I had never heard of celiac disease and neither had my family or friends so I had quite a bit to learn but, through the support of CCABC and my medical team, I learnt how to maintain a gluten-free diet. While living in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, I was a member of my local coeliac support group and attended every coeliac event that I could. During one of the support group meetings in Ireland, I was asked to speak about my experience as a celiac in Canada and the programs that support celiacs.
Before I was tested for celiac disease, I was told it was an Eastern European disease, which is a myth, so I am passionate about advocating, and educating, medical professionals and people from visible minority groups about celiac disease so more people are diagnosed and living a healthier and happier life. As well, I hope to create more opportunities for celiacs to socialize with each other so we remember that we are not alone in this celiac journey. |
I joined the Board in 2024, shortly after one of my two young kids was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at the age of three. The diagnosis came as a big surprise to us, with no known family history. At first, I was overwhelmed by what this would mean for my little one and our family, but I quickly decided to turn that fear into action. In my search for accurate, up-to-date information I found the CCA and the BC Branch and was so appreciative of the great work they do to support people dealing with Celiac Disease and related conditions... I knew I wanted to be involved! My passions are supporting children and families, the impact of Celiac Disease on mental health, and finding a healthy balance between a safe, research-supported gluten free diet and being overly or unnecessarily restrictive (trust the labels!) |